Children&#39;s toy playset

ABSTRACT

A children&#39;s toy playset generally comprising a series of interlocking track pieces coupled to form a modular track structure and one or more ancillary toy components configured for play interaction with the track structure. The track pieces can include various interactive play elements. The ancillary toy components can include a mesh portion and a non-mesh portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,627 filed Mar. 7, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,131 filed Sep. 15, 2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children's toys and more particularly to toy playsets.

BACKGROUND

Continuing developments and improvements are sought in the field of children's toys. It is to the provisions of an improved children's toy playset that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides an improved children's toy playset having a modular track and one or more ancillary toy components configured for play interaction with the track.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a children's toy playset comprising a modular track including a plurality of track pieces and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track. At least two of the track pieces have first and second opposite ends and each end has both male and female snap-together parts for engaging with female and male snap-together parts of an adjacent track piece.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a children's toy playset including a modular track including plurality of track pieces and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track. At least one track piece includes a sloped track portion, a rotational handle and at least one gripping arm. The at least one gripping arm is configured to engage and move the at least one ancillary toy component up the sloped track portion when the rotational handle is turned.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a children's toy playset including a modular track having at least one track piece and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track. The at least one ancillary toy component includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion.

In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a children's toy playset including at least a first track piece and a second track piece, each with a first end and opposite second end. The first and second end of both track pieces includes a coupling feature. The coupling feature allows the first end of the first track piece to couple with either the first or second end of the second track piece.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ancillary toy component for use with the children's toy playset of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the coupling of the ancillary toy component of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the coupling of the ancillary toy component of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an ancillary toy component for use with a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of the coupling between track pieces of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded back view of the track pieces of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the track pieces of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top view of track pieces of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternate configuration of the track pieces of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a curved track piece for a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view a mechanical hill lift for a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view top of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view top of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a toy car at a point in motion along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a toy car at another point in motion along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a toy car at another point in motion along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a detailed top view of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 19A is a detailed side view of the gripping arms and slot of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 19B is a detailed top view of the gripping arms of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A is a detailed side view of the gripping arms and slot of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.

FIG. 20B is a detailed top view of the gripping arms of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bridge ramp of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is an alternate perspective view of the bridge ramp of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a first position.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a second position.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a second position.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a gate of a children's toy playset in a first position according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the gate of FIG. 26 in a second position.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a gate of a children's toy playset in a first position according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the gate of FIG. 28 in a second position.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a crane of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the crane of FIG. 30 in an alternate position.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the crane of FIG. 30 in an alternate position.

FIG. 33 shows a detailed perspective view of the crane of FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the crane of FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the crane of FIG. 30.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a carousel of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a diverter feature of a children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the diverter feature of FIG. 37 in an alternate position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-38 show various aspects, components and modes of use of children's toy playset 10 according to example embodiments of the invention. The playset 10, shown in FIG. 1, generally comprises a series of interlocking track pieces 20 coupled to form a modular track structure and one or more ancillary toy components 100 configured for play interaction with the track structure. The track pieces 20 can include various interactive play elements.

In example embodiments, the ancillary toy components 100, shown in FIG. 2, include a first mesh component 102 and a second non-mesh component 104. The first and second components 102, 104 are connected or are configured to be connected to each other to form a toy which a small child is able to grasp with ease. The components 102, 104 may be made in color combinations and tactile combinations that are aesthetically pleasing and stimulating, for example in the form of an automobile, helicopter, other vehicle, character, animal or the like. The mesh 102 and non-mesh 104 components can optionally combine to at least partially enclose or surround a void or open space into which a child may grasp for play. In example embodiments, the first component 102 is a mesh including a plurality of loop structures coupled together. The loop structures can have a smoothly curved or polygonal inside perimeter. Some example embodiments of the loop structures can include cooperative mating surfaces disposed at least partially around an outer perimeter. The cooperative mating surfaces of adjacent loop structures/loop structure assemblies can be configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. Example embodiments of the mesh can be formed from a substantially pliable or resilient material.

The second component 104 can be formed as a non-mesh structure and can be coupled to the first component 102. The second component 104 can be formed from a substantially rigid material or a substantially pliable material, for example a molded plastic. The mesh component 102 may be formed of a substantially pliable material and may include a plurality of loop structures. The loop structures may include individual loop structures and/or assemblies of interconnected loop structures. Some or all of the loop structures may form substantially circular or otherwise configured finger-receiving open spaces which may be used to grip, stretch, throw or catch the toy. Also, some or all of the loop structures and/or assemblies of loop structures are of a size and configuration that allow a child's finger to at least partially extend within the void so that the child is able to grasp the toy apparatus.

The loop structures (and/or loop structure assemblies) can include mating surfaces, at least partially along an outside perimeter. These surfaces may be arranged around the perimeter of at least some of the loop structures/loop structure assemblies to facilitate coupling of the loop structures/loop structure assemblies. The cooperative mating surfaces of adjacent loop structures/loop structure assemblies may be configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. Although not shown, some loop structure assemblies may include interior loop structures that do not have cooperative mating surfaces. Further details of example mesh structures adaptable for use in connection with the children's toy playset disclosed herein may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,984 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,518, which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition to having curved inside perimeters, some of the loop structures (and/or loop structure assemblies) may have an inner perimeter defined by one or more geometrically shaped openings, such as a circle, square, and polygon (e.g., rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). These geometrically shaped openings optionally include no sharp corners, to avoid injury to a child. In some aspects, the mesh component may be formed in the shape of a generally or partially spherical, hemispherical or ovoid configuration or other three-dimensional shape such that, when coupled to the component, the components substantially enclose a void.

The non-mesh component may be formed of one or more substantially pliable or substantially rigid materials. For example, the non-mesh component 104 may include a structure including subcomponents, such as wheels, wings, helicopter blades, etc., connected via a chassis formed, for example of one or more hard or soft plastic moldings. The non-mesh component(s) 104 may be formed separately from the mesh component 102, or can be co-molded or otherwise integrally formed therewith. Within the wheels, small balls or similar toy accessories may be contained. Instead of wheels, other components, tracks, rollers, or other suitable components may be used which would make the toy rollable or otherwise mobile.

In the example embodiment, the ancillary toy components 100 are configured to represent elements or cars of a train including a train engine 106 and a basket 108, as shown in FIG. 2. The toy cars 100 can include couplings 110 allowing a plurality of train cars to be decoupled and recoupled in different combinations as desired by a child during play. FIGS. 3-5 show an example toy car coupling 110 according to an example embodiment of the invention. Each toy car 100 includes at least one coupling loop-shaped hook 112 positioned on the front end and/or back end of the car. The coupling hook 112 of one car 100 is configured to engage with the coupling hook of a second car, as shown in FIG. 3. In the depicted embodiment, the hooks 112 each include a slit 114 that allows the loop-shaped hooks to be fitted together, as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, alternate coupling mechanisms can be used. The toy cars 100 are configured to roll or otherwise travel along the track 20 and engage with different interactive elements.

In example embodiments, the playset 10 is constructed of a series of track pieces 20 that can be arranged in different combinations as desired by the child during play. The track pieces 20 are configured to rest on a support surface. The track pieces 20 can rest directly on the support surface or can include supports configured to support the track a distance above the support surface. The track pieces 20 include at least one coupling feature 22 configured to allow the track pieces to be detachably coupled to each other. The coupling feature 22 is generally positioned at the front end and/or back end of the track piece 20. In the example embodiment, each coupling feature includes both a male part 24 and a female part 26.

As shown in FIG. 7, the end of each track piece 20 includes a male tab 24 protruding from the end of the track piece and a female receiver 26 extending into the track piece. The male tab 24 of a first track piece 20 is positioned to align with the female receiver 26 of a second track piece. Likewise, the female receiver 26 of the first track piece 20 is configured to align with the male tab 24 of the second track piece. The male tabs 24 are configure to be push or fitted into the female receivers 26. In example embodiments, the male tabs 24 and female receivers 26 are configured to snap together. Having both a male part 24 and female part 26 on the same end of the track piece 20 increases the number of combinations of track pieces that can be constructed by allowing the front end of a first track piece to couple with either the front or back end of a second track piece. Likewise the back end of a first track piece can couple with either the front or back end of a second track piece. For example, in the track pieces depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, either end of the straight track piece 30 can be coupled to the curved track piece 32. Further, either end of the curved track piece 32 can be coupled to the straight track piece 30. Therefore, a single curved track 32 piece can function as both a right hand turn, shown in FIG. 9, and a left hand turn, shown in FIG. 10. In other embodiments, different coupling mechanisms and methods can be used to detachably couple the track pieces 20. In example embodiments, the track pieces 20 of a playset 10 generally all use the same coupling mechanism so that all track pieces in that set can be coupled to one another.

The playset 10 can include a variety of track pieces 20, including straight track pieces 30, curved track pieces 32, elevated track pieces 34 and ramps 38. In example embodiments, the curved track pieces 32 can include a guard wall 28, as shown in FIG. 11. The guard wall 26 extends upward from the curved track piece 32 and is configured to help prevent a train car 100 from falling or rolling off the track. The playset 10 can also include a variety of track pieces 10 with interactive features. These interactive features can include a mechanical hill lift 40, a drop bridge 60, a stop gate 70, a crane 80, and a track diverter 94. For ease of explanation, the interactive track pieces are described as interacting with a single toy car 100. It should be appreciated that the interactive elements can interact with a string of cars as described above or other ancillary toy component.

Example interactive elements include a mechanical hill lift 40, depicted in FIGS. 12-20. The mechanical hill lift 40 generally includes gripping arms 42 configured to engage with a toy car 100, a rotational handle 44 and a hill-shaped or sloped track portion 46. The gripping arms 42 are slidingly coupled to track portion 46 through a slot 48. The slot 48 is positioned on the side of the track portion 46 and the slot generally follows the contours of the track.

To use the mechanical hill lift 40, the toy car 100 is configured to engage the gripping arms 42 at their starting position at the bottom of the sloped track 46, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In the depicted embodiment, the gripping arms 42 are configured to engage the mesh portion 102 of the toy car 100. Once the toy car 100 is engaged by the gripping arms 42, the rotational lever 44 is rotated as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15. The gripping arms 42 are coupled to the rotational lever 44, such that when the lever is rotated, the gripping arms slide along the slot 48 propelling the toy car 80 up the hill shaped track portion 46, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. When the gripping arms 42 reach the end of the hill shaped track 46, as shown in FIG. 18, the toy car 100 is released, allowing the toy car to continue along the track 20. The gripping arms 42 are generally spaced a distance apart such that they stay engaged with the toy car 10, as shown in FIG. 19B. When the gripping arms 42 reach the end of the track portion 46, as shown in FIG. 20A, the distance between the gripping arms widens, as shown in FIG. 20B, causing the gripping arms to release the toy car 100. The slot 48 includes a tab 50 positioned at the end of the slot, shown in FIG. 19A. The tab 50 is configured to force the gripping arms into a wider position when the gripping arms reach the end of the slot 48. In example embodiments, the gripping arms 42 and rotational lever 44 are biased towards the start position, causing the gripping arms and rotation lever to return to the start position when released by the user or child. In alternate embodiments, the user can manually rotate the lever 44 and thereby move the gripping arms 42 back to the start position.

Example interactive elements can also include a pivotal bridge ramp 60, as shown in FIGS. 21-25. The bridge ramp 60 includes an elevated track portion 62, a pivotal ramp 64 and a control handle 66. When the control handle 66 is in a first position, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the pivotal ramp 64 is held flush with the elevated track 62, and the toy car 100 is allowed to continue along the elevated track, as shown in FIG. 23. When the control handle 66 is pivoted to a second position, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the pivotal ramp 64 is pivoted to incline downward towards the support surface. In this configuration, the toy car 100 can travel down the ramp 64 to a track piece 20 at a lower elevation, as shown in FIG. 25. In the example embodiments, the control handle 66 and pivotal ramp 46 are biased toward the first or second position. In alternate embodiments, the pivotal bridge ramp 60 does not include a biasing element.

Example interactive elements can also include a gate element 70 as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The gate element 70 includes a gate arm 72 and a push tab 74, the gate element being pivotally mounted to a hub 76. The gate arm 72 is configured to block the passage of the toy car 100 along the track 20, as shown in FIG. 26. When the push tab 74 is pushed as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 27, the gate arm 72 is pivoted away from the track 20, allowing the toy car 100 to pass. In alternate embodiments, the gate element 70 can be positioned on a t-shaped track piece 20, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

Example interactive elements can also include a crane element 80 as shown in FIGS. 30-35. The crane 80 includes a track base 81 configure to rest on a support surface, a cylindrical crane base 82 extending upward from the track base, a first arm 84 pivotally coupled to the base, a second arm 86 pivotally coupled to the first arm, and a hook 88 attached to the distal end of the second arm. The crane base 82 is pivotally coupled to the track base 81 such that the crane 80 can pivot relative to the track base. In the depicted embodiment, the crane 80 can pivot 360° about the midpoint of the crane base 82. The hook 88 is configured to engage the toy car 100, for example by hooking a portion of the mesh component 102 of the toy car 100 with the hook 88. In the example embodiment, the crane hook 88 engages the toy car at a location on the playset, as shown in FIG. 14. The crane can 80 lift and rotate the car 100, as shown in FIG. 32, and deposit the car at a second location on the playset. The track base 81 of the crane element 80 can include a coupling feature 22 as described above so that the crane can be attached to other track pieces 20. The crane 80 can also include a tab 90 attached to the track base 81 configured to engage with an indention 92 on the bottom of an adjacent track piece, as shown in FIGS. 33-35.

Example interactive element can also include a carousel 180, as shown in FIG. 36. The carousel generally includes a fixed cylindrical base 182 and a rotating top 184. The rotating top includes hooks 186 for engaging the mesh portion 102 of the toy cars 100.

Example embodiments include a diverter 94 interactive feature, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. The diverter 94 includes a branched track 96 that can allow the toy car 100 to travel on either a first or second travel path, and a diverter arm 98 configured to divert the toy car to one of the first or second travel path. The diverter arm 98 is pivotally mounted to the branched track 96 and can be pivoted between the first and second diverter positions. In alternate embodiments, the diverter 94 can include a button or switch to the move the diverter arm 98 between guide positions.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including a plurality of track pieces, at least two of the track pieces have first and second opposite ends and wherein each end has both male and female coupling parts for engaging with female and male coupling parts of an adjacent track piece; and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track.
 2. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the modular track includes at least a first track piece and a second track piece.
 3. The children's toy playset of claim 2, wherein the male coupling part of the first track piece is configured to engage with the female coupling part of the second track piece and the female coupling part of the first track piece is configured to engage with the male coupling part of the second track piece.
 4. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein a portion of the modular track is configured to rest on a support surface.
 5. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein a portion of the modular track is elevated above the track surface.
 6. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the track includes a pivotal ramp configured to be a bridge in a first position and an inclined ramp in a second position.
 7. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the track includes a crane and wherein the crane is configured to engage and lift the at least one ancillary toy component.
 8. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the playset includes a plurality of ancillary toy components.
 9. The children's toy playset of claim 8, wherein the ancillary toy components include at least one coupling mechanism for coupling to at least one other ancillary toy component.
 10. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the modular track includes at least one pivotal gate.
 11. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including plurality of track pieces; and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track; wherein at least one track piece includes a sloped track portion, a rotational handle and at least one gripping arm; wherein the at least one gripping arm is configured engage and move the at least one ancillary toy component up the sloped track portion when the rotational handle is turned.
 12. The children's toy playset of claim 11, the at least one gripping arm is slidingly coupled to the sloped track portion.
 13. The children's toy playset of claim 12, wherein the sloped track portion includes a slot configured to guide the motion of the at least one gripping arm.
 14. The children's toy playset of claim 13, wherein the slot includes a tab configured to engage the at least on gripping arm, wherein the engagement of the tab and the at least one gripping arm causes the at least one gripping arm to disengage the ancillary toy component.
 15. The children's toy playset of claim 11, wherein at least one track piece includes a pivotal gate.
 16. The children's toy playset of claim 11, wherein the at least one ancillary toy component includes a mesh portion, and wherein the at least one gripping arm is configured to engage the mesh portion of ancillary toy component.
 17. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including at least one track piece; and at least one ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the track; wherein the at least one ancillary toy component includes at least one mesh portion and at least one non-mesh portion.
 18. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the mesh portion is formed of one or more loop structure assemblies.
 19. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the one or more loop structure assemblies comprise a plurality of loop structures, the loop structure assemblies having cooperative mating surfaces disposed at least partially around an outer perimeter.
 20. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the mesh portion is formed of a substantially pliable material.
 21. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the playset includes a plurality of ancillary toy components.
 22. The children's toy playset of claim 21, wherein at least one of the ancillary toy components includes at least one coupling mechanism for coupling to at least one other ancillary toy component.
 23. A children's toy playset comprising: at least a first track piece and a second track piece, wherein the first and second track pieces each include a first end and an opposite second end; wherein the first end and second end of the first and second track pieces each include a coupling feature; and wherein the coupling feature allows the first end of the first track piece to couple with either the first or second end of the second track piece. 